Finding line of intersection of given plane and xz-plane. Please help

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding the line of intersection between a given plane, represented by the equation 4x - 2y + 8z = 8, and the xz-plane, where y = 0. Participants clarify that points on the intersection satisfy the equation 4x + 8z = 8, which simplifies to x + 2z = 2. Various parameterizations for the line of intersection are provided, emphasizing that there are multiple valid answers. Additionally, a general method for finding the intersection of two planes using the cross product of their normals is outlined.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of plane equations in three-dimensional space
  • Knowledge of the xz-plane and its properties
  • Familiarity with vector operations, specifically cross products
  • Ability to manipulate algebraic equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method for finding intersections of planes using vector algebra
  • Learn about parameterization of lines in three-dimensional space
  • Explore the geometric interpretation of plane equations
  • Investigate applications of intersection lines in physics and engineering
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Students and professionals in mathematics, physics, and engineering who are working with three-dimensional geometry and need to understand the intersection of planes.

saadatsubs
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Homework Statement
Given the plane: 4x - 2y +8z = 8,
Find Parametric equations of the line of intersection of the given plane and the xz-plane.

The answer for the question is: x = 2 +2t ; y = 0, z = -t

I don't understand how to get to this answer and I am going to be tested on this type of question. Can anyone help me understand this please?
Relevant Equations
x = x1 + at
y = y1 + bt
z = z1 +ct
Sorry for the really messy work I know I have a problem.

The other questions that the problem asked before the one I need help with are as follows:
Find the intercepts and sketch the plane.
Find the distance between the plane and the point (1,2,3)
Find the angle between the plane and the xz plane

Thank you for any help you can give me
 

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Hello saadatsubs, ##\qquad## :welcome: ##\qquad## !

saadatsubs said:
I don't understand how to get to this answer
Aren't you thinking this through too deeply ?
Is it clear that points on the intersection with the xz-plane have y = 0 ? From there $$ 4x - 2y +8z = 8 \ \& \ y = 0 \Rightarrow 4x + 8z = 8 \Rightarrow x + 2z = 2 $$ and any choice for a parameter will do. You say 'the answer', but it's just an answer out of many. Other examples: x = t, y = 0 , z = (t-2)/2, or
z = t , y = 0, x = 2 - 2t etc, etc.

Can't read your picture: stiff neck. 😉
 
A general method to find the line of intersection of two planes is:
1. The cross product of the two normals to the planes gives a direction vector for the line.
2. Find any point on both planes to use with the direction vector. You can usually set one variable = 0 and solve the remaining two equations for the other coordinates of the point.
 

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